Apparatus for feeding tubes.



W. H. HONISS.

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING TUBES APPLICATION I'ILED MAY 13,1901.

1,1 18,551 Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

L\ u N Cm E - 14 1, tnesses: Inve n 607' W/CZMWM 7H5 NORRIS PErE/az. co PHO!O-L/IHO, WASHINGTON. U. C

W. H. HONISS.

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING TUBES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13.1907.

1,1 18,551, Patented N0v.24, 1914.

3 SHBETS SHEET 2.

3 M itnessc's: A 1 71196711507" THE NCRRIJ PEI/IRS CD I'HOTO-LITHQ, WASHINDTUN, D. I

W. H. HONISS.

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING TUBES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 13,1901.

Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

3 SIIBBTSSHEET 3,

THE NORRIS PETERS CO.. PHOTD-LITHQ, WASHINGTON. D. C.

UTED wa er-E WILLIAM H. HONISS, or HARTFORD, conunc'ricur, AssIenoR OFjONE-I-IALF To BEECILNUT PACKING COMPANY, or CANAJOHARIE, nnwyonx, A conrona TION .ornnw YORK, annoNn-FoonrI-r'ro WILLIAM A. LORENZ, or HART- FORD, CONNECTICUT.

Tcall whomit may concern Be it known that I, l/VILLIAM H. Homss, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Hartford, in :the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Feeding Tubes, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

This invention comprises an apparatus for feedingvarious articles to which it may be found applicable. i

The particular embodimentof the invention herein shown and described is adapted for the feedingof tubes made of flexible material, suchas rubber, inconnection with apparatus designed for cutting tubesiinto ring gaskets of a character suitablefor use in making the closure joints of hermetically sealed jars and similar receptacles."

Figure 1 of the drawings is a front elevationof the machine. Fig. 2;is anfend elevation projected from the left hand end of the machine of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view in enlarged scale, and in section taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view also in section similar to that of Fig. 3, showingthe valve of that figure in a different position. Fig. 5 is an end view in section taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a plan view in section taken on the line 8--S of Figp 1. Fig. 9 is a plan View showing a modified form of valve adapting themachine to the use of both high pressure and exhaust. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to a portion of "Fig. 9 showing the valve in another position.

Fi 11 is a side view showin a conventional form of exhauster or pressure blower for use in conjunction with this invention. Fig. 12 is a front view in enlarged scale and in section on the line 12-12 of Fig.2, showing the device for locking the slide to the feed bar. The direction inwhichthe several sections are viewed areindicated by arrows placed adjacent to the respective section lines.

The improved apparatus feeds the tubes by intermittently holding and releasing the interior and exterior surfaces of the tube by pneumatic pressure and advancing the tube while hcldby one side and releasedbn the other side. In the operation of this appara j APPARATUS non rnnzomejrnnns.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented N 24,, 1914,,

Application filed. May 13, 190?. SerialNo. 373,450. i i i tus the tube is passed through areceiver which approximately fits the exterior wall of the tube, and a feeder which preferably consists ofa cylindrical plunger, is placed w1th1n "the tube approxnnatelyfitting the interior wall thereof, so that the tube occupies the annular space between the exterior.

ofthe plunger and the interior of the recelver. Thewalls of the ICCGIVQI. and feeder adjacent to the tube are provided with air pressure above that of the atmospheric, or

using both these forms of pressure producing devices in conjunction, particularly when it may be found desirable to utilize a pressure greater than that of the atmosphere. The pressure is applied intermittently and alternately to the interiorand exterior surfaces of the tube, and the latter is ad *anced while thus held either by the inner or outer side ofQthe tube, and .while released on the other side. In practice it is believed to be preferable to feed the tube while held by its inner wall, the feed memher or plunger beingmoved longitudinally to the desired extent while holding thetube,

and while the outer surface of thetube is released from the receiver.

In the apparatus, which is shown and descrlbed herein, the tube 1.5 1s within the conduit or receiver 16, and the tube carrier and feeder, which consists of a plungerl'lis within and concentric with the receiver, ap-

proximately fitting the interior wall of the tube.- For convenience in adaptingthe apparatus for the manipulation of tubes of 1 different sizes the receiver 16 is preferably made easily detachable, being, as herein shown, .remmably attached to the spindle H 18, WlllCll is mounted 111 any sultable way,

as in the boxes or bearings 19 mounted in the headQO, which is or may be similar to the head of a lathe and may, for convenience in cooperating with tube cutting or other adjunctive mechanism, be mounted upon abed 21. Any suitable means asa screw or screws 23 maybe employed for removably holding the receiver 16 in position in the spindle. By removingthe screw the spindle.

receiver may be withdrawn and other receivers substituted of sizes and forms suited for the different tubes to be operated upon. In some instances in which this process of feeding and holding the tubes may be employed, it may be undesirable or unnecessary to rotate the tubes, in which case the receiver 16 and the plunger 17 need not be supported for rotative movement. But for many purposes, including the purpose of cutting tubes into gaskets, illustrated herein, it is desirable to rotate the tube. For this reason the spindle 19 is mounted for rotation, as herein shown and is provided with a pulley 2st, or any other convenient means for imparting the rotative movement. In such'cases also it is usually desirable to rotate the plunger 17 coincidently with the receiver. In the embodiment here shown the receiver and the plunger 'are mechanically clutched or coupled together by a coupling 25, which is fitted upon a hub 26 of the plunger and connected therewith by means 'of a spline 27, which serves to rotate the. plunger with the coupling while permitting the longitudinal sliding movement of the plunger within the receiver and coupler. The coupling is preferably provided with an annular shoulder 29, which fits within the rearward end of the spindle 18 and centralizes the coupling and the plunger with that spindle.

Asa means for insuring coincident driving engagement between the receiver and the coupling, one of them, in this instance the coupling, is provided with projections 30, which enter corresponding recesses 31 in the end of the receiver or the end of the The coupling being thus interlocked with the receiver and splined to the plunger, insures their coincident rotation.

For convenience in readily disconnecting the coupling to permit the withdrawal of the plunger from the receiver and the putting in of a new tube, the coupling is secured to the spindle by means of a screwnut .83 which for convenience in handling may be provided with a handwheel rim 3%. This nut is threaded upon the end of the spindle 18 and is provided with an inwardly projecting. flange 35, which is interrupted at two or more portions preferably opposite each other to receive the outwardly projecting wings 36 of the coupling 25, these wings being preferably beveled, as shown by shade lines in Fig. 5, to insure easy engagement with the coengaging portions of the flange 35. By screwing the nut 33 in one direction the coupling is clamped securely against the end of the spindle, while by turning the nut in the opposite direction to the position shown in Fig. 5 the coupling may be retracted, the wings 36 passing out through the coinciding interruptions in the flanges 35. For convenience and certainty a sufiicientdistance to permit the nutto rotate far enough to insure clamping the coupling against the end of the spindle.

The surfaces of the receiver 16 and plunger 17, which are in contact with the outer and inner walls, respectively, of the tube,

are adapted to serve as pneumatic grippers or holders cooperatingto hold and advance the tube at the desired times and to the desired extent. The plunger, which in thisinstance is shown to be the feeding or advancing member, is provided with grooves 44. which are herein shown to extend circumferentially around the plunger and serve as passages for the air in forcing or inducing pneumatic pressure. These passages are connected in any convenient way through the rearward end of the plunger, either with exhausting apparatus or air compressing apparatus, which may be like that conventionally shown in Fig. 11. In the present instance, the plunger is mounted for rotation upon a non-rotating spindle d5, which is provided with an air passage &6 extending longitudinally within the spindle to the reardward end thereof. At its front end the air passage d6 communicates outwardly by means of the air holes i7 and circumferential grooves l8 with the continuing passages 41-9 leading to the circumferential grooves 4A on the outer surface of the )llll'lger, thus affording continuous air communication between the latter grooves and the air duct or conduit 16, whether the plunger is rotating or stationary. These grooves are herein'shown to be only two in number and situated only at the front end of the plunger, since it is desirable in this particular case to grip the tubes at that end, so that the tubes may be fed forward nearly their entire length before their rearward ends reach and uncover these grooves. Ubviously however, the grooves may be extended farther over or completely over the surface of the plunger. The receiver 16 is also shown to be provided with circumferential air grooves 51, which for the reason just given are also preferably limited to the front end of the receiver. These grooves communicate with the longitudinal groove or rooves 52 which may extend to the rearward end of the receiver, or may, as herein shown, communicate with an annular recess 53 in the interior of the spindle, or the exterior of the receiver. At its rearward end the recess communicates with the air duct 54, which extends to the end of the spindle and communicates with a duct 55 of the coupling 25, air-tight connection being insured if necessary by means of a rubber washer or gasket 56. At its inner end theduct55 extends into communication with the duct 57, which extending through the cross duct 59 and longitudinal duct 60, to the end of the spindle; and thence to the exhaust or pressure producing means.

The spindle 4:5 is supported at its rearward end by a spindle head 62; and the ducts 16 and 60 which communicate independently of each other with the air grooves 1 1 and 51 of the plunger and receiver, respectively, are extended through the spindle support 62; and their connection with the air exhausting or compressing apparatus, as the case may be, 1s controlled by means of a valve 65, the construction and operation of which will be hereinafter more particularly described.

The description thus far given relates to a single receiver 16 and a single plunger 17, and this receiver may be efficiently served by such a single plunger, which after feeding one tube as far as it will go can be With-- drawn from the receiver and a succeeding tube be inserted. But to expeditethe operation of the device by lessening the time during which its feeding operations are interrupted, I preferably provide a plurality of these plungers, so that while one plunger is performing its feeding operations another plunger may have a new tube mount- 1 ed upon it in readiness for the next feeding operation. Any desired number of these plungers may be employed. I have, however, shownherein but two plungers, extend ing in opposite directions from the support 62, which thus becomes a sort of monitor or turret head, which is, mounted for rotation upon a stud 66, which is clamped or otherwise secured in the sliding head 67 mounted on the feed bar 68. The spindles 15 are secured to their supporting monitor 62 in any convenient way. The plungers 17 are mounted on these spindles, being held against endwise movement by suitable coli lars or shoulders 70 and 71. WVashers 72.

a direction parallel with the longitudinal center line of the receiver. As herein shown the monitor head is supported upon a feed bar 68, which is mounted for sliding move ment in any COHV6Il16I1tfWty,.iLS upon the 65 front side of thehead 20 (Figs. 1 and 2).

For convenience in allowing the head 68 to be drawn backwardly so as to retract the forward plunger 17 from the receiver with out also drawing the feed bar backwardly,

the head isfittcd for sliding movement upon thefeed bar, so that itmay be drawn back to its dot-and-dash line position shownin Fig. 1. When in its forward or feeding position shown in; full lines in that figure, the head abuts against a stop and is locked in that position by any suitable means, shown to consist of a mutilated cylindrical bolt 76, which when turned to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 12 looks thehcad 67 in feeding position; but when turned about 180 degrees from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 12 brings the recessed portion 77 of the bolt into the pathway of the feed bar68, thus unlockingthe head and permitting it tobe slid back and forth, this movement being generally and preferably effecterl by hand.

As a convenient means for automatically reciprocating the feed bar 68 to impart the longitudinal feeding movements to the plunger 15, the machine is herein shown to be provided with a cam 80, which is mounted upon a cam shaft 81 mounted for rotation in suitable bearings 82, herein shown to be appurtenant to the bed 21 of the machine.

This cam shaft may be driven from some other portion of the machine, or it maybe of the feed bar 68 so as to correspondingly vary the extent of feed of the tube, the (111V: ing connection between the lever 87 and the feed bar 68 is in the form of a slotted cross head. The upper portion of the lever 86 is provided with a slot 88 (see Figs. 1 and 8) in which a connecting pin 89 is mounted for longitudinal movement, being secured at any desired portion lengthwise of the slot bymeans of a nut 90' and washer 91.

To facilitate the accurate setting of the connccting pin to the several positions required for predetermined amounts of feed, the surface of the lever 87 is provided with suitably graduated marks 92 which maybe read in conjunction with a zero mark upon the washer 91, the edge of whichmay be beveled so as to be read more easily. The rearward cylindrical end of. the connecting pin 89 fits in a sliding block 941 which is fitted in sliding ways in the crosshead 95 appurtenant to the feed bar 68 (Fig. 8).

In most cases it will be found desirable to have the plunger 17 come to a uniform position at the forward end of its stroke,

whatever may be the variations in the length of the stroke, confining those variations to the rearward end of the stroke. In the present instance this is accomplished by making the slot 88 of the feed bar 86 coincident in position with the slide-way for the block 91 in the cross head 95, when these parts are in their forward position shown in Fig. 1, in which coinciding position it will be found most convenient to make the adjustments of the connecting pin 89.

The flow of air to and from the receiver 16 and plunger 17 through the ducts and 16, respectively, which determine the application of the pneumatic pressure, is controlled by means of the valve 65, which is preferably of a cylindrical form and is mounted for sliding movement in the stud 66, as shown by a comparison of the position of the va ve in Figs. 3 and d. In the arrangement shown in Figs. 3 and 4 it is assumed that the pressures are produced either by exhaustion alone, or compression alone,not by a combination of both.

The end of the valve is connected with any suitable exhaust or pressure producing apparatus like that shown in Fig. 11, by means of a tube 98 which ,is either jointed or flexible to permit of the longitudinal and transverse movements of the valve. The duct 99 extends from the tube 98 through the outwardly opening passage or passages 100 to the distributing passage 101, which In order to operate the valve 65 while permitting it to be moved back and forth with the longitudinal movements of the plunger 17, the front end of the valve is connected with a valve lever mounted on the rock shaft 106 which is journaled for rocking movement with its axis in a parallel relation to the feed bar 68 and the receiver 16.

The shaft is rocked by means of an arm 10? pivotally connected to the connecting rod 108, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to a cam arm 109 which is mounted upon a pivot stud 110 and is provided with a pin or roll 111 engaging in a cam operative engagement with the valve 65 during the longitudinal movements of the plunger 17 and its monitor head 62 that valve lever is mounted between suitable end bean.

roclr shaft 106, while remaining in driving engagement withthat shaft" by means of a key or spline sliding in a suitable splineway 116 of the shaft.

in order to illustrate one of the usefulapplications of this invention, the machine is herein shown to be provided with a cutting apparatus for cutting rings from the end of the tube as the latter is intermittently projected beyond the end of the receiver 16 and feeder 17 Various instrumentalities may be thus employedfor cutting off these rings. 1 have, however, herein shown in a general way an apparatus which has been devised for this purpose and which is shown, described and claimed in co-pending applications of the present applicant and another. That portion of said apparatus which is shown herein consists of a rotating disk cu ter 118 which is mounted upon a suitable spindle 119 rotating in suitable bearings 120 and provided with a pulley 121 driven by a belt 122 from overhead shafting or in any other convenient way. The bearings are supported by suitable slides and swivels which enable the cutter to be swung to any desired angle relative to the tube, and to be reciprocated so as to carry the edge of the cutter through the wall of the tube in a line 123 coinciding with the desired angle of the cut. The mechanism by which the desired sliding movement is effected is contained in the cutter-head designated in a general way by 12 1 and is driven by a suitable shaft by means of the bevel gear 125, which in turn is driven by the bevel gear splined upon the cam shaft 81, but journaled in the depending bracket 127. Being thus driven by the shaft 81 the cutter head and its mechanism may be operated in proper synchronism with the cams 80 and 113, which control the actuations of the feedin mechanism and its pres sure valve. It is not considered necessary to give a detailed description or drawing of this cutting mechanism, since its details form no part of the presentinvention, and other forms of apparatus might be substituted for cutting off the rings, or fol-performing any other desired operationupon the tubes in conjunction with the feeding mechanism, which is the subject matter of the present application.

The operation of this apparatus is as follows :The plunger 17 being withdrawn from the receiver, the tube is placed in position upon the plunger and the latter is carried forward by pushing the sliding head 6? forward against the stop 7 5 of the feeding bar and locating it in that position by means of the bolt 7 6. The coupling 25 is then adjusted to its seat against the end of the receiver 16 and its spindle 18; and is fastened to that position by means ofthe clamp nut 33. The forward feeding movement then begins. Assuming that the tube 98 is connected with exhausting apparatus, the valve 65 when in the position shownin Fig. 3 clirects the exhaust to take effect through the duct and the grooves or recesses 51 of the receiver, while permitting atmospheric pressure to enter throughthe relief passage 102 and duct 416, thus holding thetube outwardly against the inner wall of the receiver 16 and releasing the plunger17. The latter is then drawn backwardly to the required extent by i the operation of the rotating cam 80. lVhen the plunger reaches its rearward resting position the valve (35 is moved to the position shown in Fig. 4, thus connecting its distributing passage 101 with the duct 46 and grooves 4st ofthe plunger and at the same time admitting atmospheric pressure through the ducts 103 and 60 to the grooves 51 of the receiver, thus pressing the tube inwardly against the plunger and releasing it from the receiver. The width of the distributing passage 101 of the valve relative to the ducts 4:6 and ($0 is suchthat when the valve is moved from one position to the other, the exhaust takes full effect upon one of those ducts before being shut off from the other duct; or at least before atmospheric pressure isadmitted to the other duct, so as to retain the tube at all times under control of the pressure, gaining a hold on one side or portion before releasing the other side or portion. With the tube thus held against the plunger 17 the latter is moved forwardly by its cam, thus projecting the leading end of the tube beyond the front end of the feeder and receiver, where the parts remain while the gasket ring is being severed, or otherwise operatedon, as shown in Fig. 3. Then the valve moved again to the position shown in Fig. 3,.pressingthe tube away from the plunger and against the receiver to permit the plungerto be again retracted with out also retracting or otherwise moving the tube. Thus the forward feeding movements are continued intermittently and alternately,

and also in alternation with the operations of the cutter for cutting off the end of the tube. \Vhen finally the rearward end of the tube passes to or beyond the grooves 51 and elel, and the feeding stops, the screw nut 33 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 5, and the coupling25 is withdrawn as shown in Fig. 6. Then the sliding head (57 is unlocked from the feed bar 68 by turning the bolt 7 6,

andis drawn baclnvardly to withdraw the plunger 17 from the receiver. In thecase of a machine having but a singleiplunger 17 a new tube is then placed in position, the parts are again pushed forward and coupled to the receiver, and the. feeding movement is again resumed. In the case of a machine having a plurality of plungers 17 upon a swinging turret or monitor head 62, the spindle which is out of feeding operationis supplied with a new tube While the other plunger is feeding. its tube forward, the monitor head being turned upon its sup porting stud 66 when the sliding head 67 is retracted so as to bring the plunger carrying the new tube into alinement with the receiver. a

In the case of a machine ope 'ated by compressed air the operation is quite similar; thc principal difference being in the position. of the valve (35, which is the reverse of that required for operating by exhaust and atmospheric pressure. In other words, when employing compressed air the valve 65, when in the position shown inFig. 3, admits the pressure through the receiver to the outer side of the tube, holding the latter against the plunger 17 and continues thus to hold it during theforward feeding movement of the plunger, after which the valve is shifted to the position shown in Fig.4 which admits pressure through the ducts 46 and 4 1 to the inner side of the tube, holding it outwardly. against the receiver and thusreleasing the plunger which is then drawn back. In this case the relief ducts 102 and 103 operate to release the pressure from each of the ducts 4:6 and 60 when the otherof those ducts receives the pressure.

During the time that the projecting tube is being operated upon by the cutter or other means, it may beheld either to the plunger 17 or to the receiver 16 as may be found most convenient or desirable, according to the character of the operation and the direction. in which. it is applied. In the present instance, in which the cutter penetrates the, tube from its outer side and hence tends to press the tube inwardly, it is considered preferable to hold the tube inwardly against haust and pressure blowers being well understood. As this modification is shown, the valve is provided with flexible or jointed tubes 131 and 132, one leading to pressure and the other to exhaust apparatus. For definiteness in description itis herein assuined that the tube 131 connects with an ex-r 1 haust apparatus, while the tube 132 connects with air compressing apparatus. The duct 133 leads from the tube 131 to the distributing passage 13%, these being similar in arrangement to the corresponding ducts and passages of the valve 65 shown in the previous figures. The front or compression end of the valve 130 is provided with a duct 136, which leads from the tube 132 to two distributing passages 137 and 138. The relation of these distributing passages to each other and to the ducts 4-6 and of the plunger-s and receivers, during the movements of the valve, is shown by comparison of Figs. 9 and 10. In Fig. 9 the duct 60 leading to the receiver is in communication with the exhaust, while the duct 46 leading to the plunger is in communication with the high pressure or compressing apparatus, thus serving to hold the tube outwardly against the receiver, with a pressure which is determined by the pressure delivered by the air compressing device, and may be Varied to suit different conditions. Upon moving the valve to the position shown in Fig. 10, the holding conditions are reversed, the duct 46 leading to the plunger being then connected with the exhaust, while the duct 60 leading to the receiver is connected with the pressure, thus pressing the tube against the plunger, at which time the plunger is given its forward feeding movement to advance the tube.

hen using the simple exhaust plan the pressure is obviously limited to that of the atmosphere, whereas bv using forced pressure it may be increased to any extent likely to be found necessary. Although for many purposes the arrangement shown in Figs. 3 and 4, employing what may be termed a single or simple pressure, will be found sufficient for holding and feeding tubes with certainty and uniformity: for

some other purposes it may be found desirable to employ the double acting method shown in Figs. 9 and 10. To effect the change from one to the other it is only necessary to remove the valve from the apparatus and replace it with the valve 130, the length of stroke and time of operation as herein arranged being the same. The cams 80 and 118 are suited for operating the double-acting modifications shown in Figs. 9 and 10, as well as the single acting form shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

.The valve shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is adapted like that shown in Figs. 8 and 4 v to gain a hold on one side of the tube before releasing its hold on the other side of the tube. This is due to the spacing and lapping of the valve passages relative to the ducts 46 and 60.

The monitor or turret 62 may have any desired number of arms. It may be mounted upon a vertical axis so as to revolve the arms in a horizontal plane. But for the purposes now under contemplation it is considered suflicient to have two plungers mounted diametrically opposite to each other upon the monitor head 62, and is considered preferable to swing the plungers in a vertical plane.

Under some conditions, or for some purposes, it may be found preferable to impart the advancing movement of the tube by means of the receiver, using the plunger as the stationary holding member, and sliding the receiver forward and back in its bearings, instead of sliding the plunger as herein shown and described. It may also in some cases be found suflicient to dispense with the air grooves and passages in the receiver or whichever may be the stationary member. In that case the tube may fit the stationary member somewhat closely, so as to hold thereto by friction, while the feed member is being retracted to get a new hold. But for most purposes I prefer to employ air pressure alternately on opposite sides of the tube.

The term super atmospheric is for convenience and brevity herein employed to designate pressures above that commonly designated as atmospheric pressure, the latter of which at no time reaches fifteen pounds per square inch, and varies below that according to the degree of exhaustion or vacuum by which it is induced, whereas super atmospheric pressure, obtained by compressing the air in any of several wellknown ways,may be carried to any degree likely to be desired.

The process which is carried out by the apparatus shown herein forms the subject matter of a divisional application, Serial No. 573,858, filed July 26, 1910.

I claim as my invention 1.. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripping device for holding the tube, a movable pneumatic feeding device for advancing the tube, means for alternately operating said devices to grip and release the tube, and means for moving the said feeding device while it grips the tube.

2. Means for feeding tubes, including a plurality of pneumatic grippers for the tube, means for moving one of said grippers'to feed the tube bodily forward, and means for alternately interrupting and restoring the pneumatic holding action of the said grippers in cooperation with the tube feeding I movements.

3. Means for feeding tubes, including a support for the tube provided with pneumatic means for holding the tube, a'pneumatic gripper, means for moving the gripper to advance the tube relative to its support, and means for interrupting and restoring the pneumatic action of the support and the gripper in suitable time relation to. the advancing movements of the tube.

4.. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination a tube siq'iport,provided with pneumatic means for holdingthe tube, a

gripper provided with pneumatic means for holding the tube, means for movingthe gripper to advance the tube relative to its support, and means for interrupting and restoring the pneumatic action of thetube support and the gripper in proper time relation to the advancing movements of the tube. i 1 1 5. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination pneumatic holding devices for.

the inner and outer walls] of the tube, means for moving one of said holding devices relative to the other toadvance the tube, and

means for interrupting and restoring the pneumatic action of the said devices to grip the tube alternately to the said holders in time relation to the advancing proper time relationto the advancing movements of the tube. i

6. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination a support encircling the outer Wall of the tube, a plui'iger within the. tube in approximate engagement with its inner Wall, pneumatic means for holding the tube alternately to the. support and to the plunger. and means for moving the plunger in proper time relation to the matic holding means.

7. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of pnuematic gripping devices for the exterior and interior, respectively, of the tube, means for moving one of said gripping sai d pneudevices relativeto the otherto advance the.

tube, and means for applying the pnuomatic gripping action intermittently in, proper movements of the tuloe. w

8. The combination, in tube feeding mech-j anism, of pnuematic gripping devices for the exterior and interior, respectively, of the tube, means for moving one of said gripping devices relative to the other-to advance the tube, and means for applying the prion matic gripping action intermittent]y, and alternately to the respective gripping all.

vices, in proper time relation to the, desired advancing movements of the tube.

9. The combination, in tube feeding inecl anism, of a cylindrical receiver for the ex:

terior of the tube, a cylindrical plunger for the interlor of the tube, means for apply ng f pneumatlc pressure intermittently to hold the tube alternately to the receiver and to the plunger, and means for movingthe plunger relative tothe receiver to advance the tube.

10. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a cylindrical receiver approximately fittinp; the exteriorof the tuhe,.a

cylindrical plunger approximately fitting the interiorof the tube, means for applying.

pneumaticpressure intermittently to hold the tube alternately to the receiver and to the plunger, and means operating synchro nously with the operation of the pneumatic devices for moving the plunger in one direction Whenthe tube is held thereto, and in the opposite direction when released from the tube. i

ill. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, ofja receiver approximately fitting the exterior of the tube, a plunger approximately fitting the interior of the tube, means for holding the tube by pneumatic pressure alternately to the receiver and to the plunger, and means for reclprocating the plunger synchronously withthe operation of the pneumatic holding means. moving in one f direction when the tube is held to the plunger and in theopposite. direction when the tube is held to the support.

- 12. The combination, in tube feeding mech anism, of a rotary receive approximately fitting the exterior of the tube, means for holding the tube to the receiver by pneu.

matic pressure, and means for establishing and interrupting thepneumatic communication avith the rotating receiver.

l3. ".ljhe combination, in tube feeding m'ech-. unis-In, of a rotary receiver approximately fitting the exterior of the tube, ineans for The combinatioi'i, intuhe feeding meeh 1I1lSI11,Of a pneumatic rece ver and bolder forthe exterior of the tube, a imeumatic tl'cei'ler within the tube, and means for establishing and interrupting the pneumatic action of the holder and feeder in alternation. 16.. The combination. in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a pneumatic feeder within the tube, means for producing pneumatic pres sure, amtmeans for establishing and interrupting pneumatic commuuication between the pressure producing means and the receiver and feeder in alteriuition.

17. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger Within the tube, pneumatic pressure prmlucing means, air passages leading from the. pressure produce ing means to the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger, respectively, and means for directing the pressure relative to the receiver and the plunger.

18. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger Within the tube, pneumatic pressure producing means, air passages leading from the pressureproduo ing means to the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger respectively, means for directing the pressure relative to the receiver and the plunger, and means for reciprocating the plunger, to advance the tube when it held to the plunger by the pressure and. to retract the plunger when the tube is released therefrom.

19. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger within the tube,

pneumatic pressure producing means, air

passages leading from the pressure producing means to the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger respectively, and means for directing the pressure relative to the receiver and the plunger, means for reciprocating the plunger to advance the tube, and means for operating the valve synchronously-with the reciprocations of the plunger to press the tube against the plunger While the latter is moved in one direction, and to release it therefrom when. moved in the other direction.

20. The combination, in tube feeding mech anism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger Within the tube, pneumatic pressure producing means, air passages leading from the pressureproducing means to the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger respectively, means for directing the pressure relative to the receiver and the plunger, means for operating the valve, and means for reciprocating the plunger in proper time relation to the operw tion of the valve, advancing the plunger and tube when they are pressed together and retracting the plunger When they are released.

21. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger Within the tube, pneumatic pressure producing means, air passages leading from the pressure producing means to the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger respectively, means for directing the pressure alternatively to the receiver and the plunger, means for operating the valve, and means for reciprocating the plunger to advance the plunger when the tube is pressed against it, and to retract the plunger when the tube is pressed against the support.

22. The combination, in mechanism for making ring gaskets, of pneumatic gripping devices for advancing and holding the tube,

and cutting devices for severing rings successively from the advanced tube.

23. The combination, in a gasket cutting machine, of means including pneumatic gripping devices for holding and intermittently advancing the tube, and means for cutting the gasket rings successively from the advanced tube.

2a. The combination, in a gasket cutting machine, of means including a pneumatic grip aer for holding and intermittentlyadvancing the tube, and means for cutting the ring gaskets successively from the tube during the inter-missions in. the advancing movement of the tube.

The combination, in a gasket cutting machine, of a rotary receiver for the gasket tubes, pneumatic gripping devices for intermittently advancing and holding the tube,

and means for cutting the ring gaskets in.

succession from the tube.

26. The combination, in a gasket cutting,

machine, of a rotary receiver for tubes of 1 gasket material, pneumatic gripping devices for holding and lntermittently advancing the tube, and means for cutting the gasket 1 rings in succession from the tube in alternation with the advancing movement of the tube, and during the intermissions in that movement.

27. The combination, in a gasket cutting machine, of a rotary receiver for tubes of gasket material, pneumatic gripping devices, including a rotary feeder Within the tube, for holding and intermittently advancing the tube, and means for cutting the gasket rings in succession from the tube in alternation with the advancing movements of the tube, and during the intermissions in the said movement.

9.8. The combination, intube feeding mech anism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger for the interior of the tube, passages leading from the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger to a non-rotating central member,

pneumatic pressure producing means, and means as a valve for selectively establishing communication between the pressure producing means and the said air passages.

The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger for the interior the said air passages of the receiver and plunger, and means as a valve :tor directing the pressure to the ducts of the non-rotating member whereby the said pressure is distributed to the said rotating plunger.

32. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the exterior wall of the tube, a plunger ior the interior of the tube, a coupling connecting the receiver and plunger to cause them to rotate together, pneumatic pressure producing means, and air passages connecting the receiver with the saidpressui'e producing means through the said couplin 33. The combinat on, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver tor the outer wall oi the tube, a plunger for the inner wall of the tube, a coupling conncctingthe receiver and plunger to cause them to rotate together, and means for attaching the coupling to and detaching it from the receiver to facilitate withdrawing the plunger from the receiver.

34. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall ofthe tube, a plunger for the inner wall of the tube, a spindle on which the plunger is mounted for rotation, and a coupling,

member connecting the plunger and the receiver to cause them to rotate together.

The combination, in tube iteeding mechanism, of a rotary receiverfor the outer wall of the tube, a plunger for the inner wall of the tube, a spindle on which the plunger is mounted for-rotation, and a clutch mem' ber connecting the plunger and the receiver to cause them to rotate together, the spindle being provided with air ducts leading to the plunger and to the receiver, respectively.

'36. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a receiver for the outer wall of thetube, a plunger for the inner wall of thetube, a spindle on which the plunger is mounted for rotation, and a clutch member connecting the plunger and the receiver at their rearward endsto cause them to rotate together, thespindle being provided with ,air ducts leading independently of each other to the plunger and the receiver, respectively.

37. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube, a plunger for the inner wall of the tube, a spindle supporting the plunger for rotation concentricallywith the receiver, and a clutch connecting the receiver and the plunger for coincident rotation.

38. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube, a plunger tor the interior of the tube, a spindle supporting [the plunger for rotation concentrically withithe receiver, and a clutch connecting the receiver and the plunger for coincident rotation, the said spindle 'and clutch being-provided with air ducts leading independently to the plunger and receiver, respectively. I

39. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall oi? the tube, a plunger for the interior of the tube, a spindle supporting the plunger for rotation concentrically with the receiver, and a clutch connecting the receiver and the plunger for coincident rotation, the said spindle being provided with independent air ducts one otwhich communicates with the tube engaging surface of thespirr.

dle and. the other of which communicates through the said clutch with the tube engaging surface of the receiver.

4.0. The combination, in: tube feeding,

mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall otthe tube, a plunger for the interior I otthe tube, a spindle supporting the plunger for rotation concentrically within the receiver, and means for closing the joint between the receiver and plunger at their rearreceiver, a coupling member appurtenantto the receiver to facilitate the withdrawal and replacing o'fthe plunger,

42. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube, a plunger for the interior of the tube, a spindle onwhich the plunger the plunger, and means for attaching the coupl ng member to and detaching it from is mounted for rotation,concentrically with the receiver, and means appurtenant to the plunger for coupling the receiver and the plunger for coincident rotation and making a close oint between them.

43. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for theouter wall of the tube, a plunger for the interior of the tube, a spindle supportingthe tube for rotation concentrically within the re ceiver, a coupling connecting the receiver and plunger at their rearward ends, and closing the ]O1Iit between them, and means "EOIfCODIIBO'DlIIg the coupling with and d'lS connecting it from the receiver.

ll. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube, a plunger for the interior of the tube, a spindle supporting the tube for rotation concentrically Within the receiver, a clutch member connecting the receiver and plunger at their rearward ends, and closing the joint between them, and means including a screw nut for clamping the clutch member to the receiver and releasing it therefrom.

45. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube, a plunger for the interior of the tube, a spindle supporting the tube for rotation concentrically within 'the receiver, a coupling connecting the receiver and plunger at their rearward ends, and closing the joint between them, and means including a mutilated screw nut for clamping the said clutch member to and releasing it from the rearward end of the re ceiver.

46. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a, rotary recei er for the outer wall of the tube, a plurality of plungers for the interiorwall of the tube, means for supporting either of said plungers in coactive relation with. the said receiver. pneumatic pressure producing devices, and air passages connecting the said pressure producing devices with the tube engaging surfaces of whichever plunger is in coactive relation to the receiver. I

47. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary receiver for the outer wall of the tube. a plurality of plungers for the interior of the tube, means for supporting either of said plungers for rotationin concentric relation to the receiver, and means for coincidentlv rotating the receiver and the plunger which is in concentric re ation to the tube.

48. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a rotary recei er for the outer wall of the tube, a plurality of plungers for the interi or wall of the tube, means for supporting either of said plungers for rotation in coactive relation to the receiver, and means for coincidentlv rotating the receiver and the plunger which is in coactive relation therewith, and means for establishing air communicat on between the tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and plunger and pneumatic pressure producing devices.

49. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a receiver for the tube, a plurality of tube carriers, means for supporting the said carriers for rotation and moving them successively into alinement with and insert ng them in the recei er.

50. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a receiver for the tubes, a pluralitvmf tube carriers, means for supporting the said carriers and moving them successively into the said receiver, and means for establishing air communication between the tube carrier and its support when the carrier is in the receiver.

51. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a tube receiver, a plurality of tube carriers, means for supporting the said carriers and inserting them successively in the said receiver, and means for establishing air communication between the said receiver and the carriers as they are successively inserted in the receiver.

The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a tube receiver, a plurality of tube carriers, means for supporting the carriers for selective insertion in the receiver, and means for coupling the receiver and the selected carrier together, including means for coupling them for air communication.

The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a tube receiver, a plurality of tube carriers, means for supporting the plurality of carriers for selectiveinsertion in the receiver, and means for establishing mechanical and pneumatic connection between the receiver and each of the selectively inserted carriers.

5 The combination, in pneumatic holding and feeding mechanism for tubes, of a tube carrier provided with an air duct, a monitor head revolubly supporting the carrier, and a pivotal support for the monitor head provided with an air duct registering with the said air duct of said tube carrier when the latter is in its feeding position.

55. The combination, in pneumatic holding and feeding mechanism for tubes, of a tube carrier provided with a plurality of air ducts, a monitor head revolubly supporting the carrier, and a pivotal support for the monitor head provided with air ducts registering with the said air ducts of said tube carriers when the latter is in its feeding position.

56. The combination, in pneumatic holding and feeding mechanism for tubes, of a plurality of tube carriers each provided with an air duct, a monitor head revolubly supporting the carriers, and apivotal support for the monitor head, provided with an air duct registering with the air ducts of the respective carriers when each is at its feeding position, and being out of register with the said ducts when the carriers are out of their feeding position.

57. The combination, in pneumatic holding and feeding mechanism for tubes, of a tube carrier provided with an air duct, a monitor head revolubly supporting the carrier, a pivotal support for the monitor head provided with an air duct registering with the said air duct of said tube carrier when the latter is in its feedingposition, anda valve mounted, in the pivotal support for controlling the flow of air through the said ducts. i a i 58. The combination, in pneumatic hold- 111g and feeding IDBGhEIIllSIH fontubes, a

tube carrier provided with Lair air "CllIl Ct, a "monltor head revolubly support ng the carricer, a pivotal support forthe monitor head provided with an airduct registeringwith the said air duct of said tube carrier when the latter is 1n its feeding position, and a valve mounted in the pivotal support for axial movement for controllingthe flow of l air through the said ducts.

59. The combination, in pneumatic holding and feed ng mechanism for tubes, of a tube carrier providedxwithta plurality of of air ducts, a. monitor head revolubly supporting the carrier, a pivotal support for the monitor head provided with air ducts connnunicatingwiththe said air ducts of "the carrier when the latter is in its feeding pos tlon, and a valvemounted 1n the pivotal support for axial movement, and provided withjmeansfor controlling the plurality of ducts of said tube carrier,

60. The combination, 1n pneumatic hold-u ing andfeeding mechanism for tubes,of a movable feeder, a valve controlling the pneumatic action of the feeder, a driving shaft mounted in 1 parallel i relation to the tube, and a sliding connection betweenthe shaft andvalve. i

61;The combination, in pneumatic hold ing and feeding mechanismfor tubes, of a movable feeder, a 'valvefor controlling the pneumatic action; ofthe feeder, a: a driving shaft: mounted in, parallel" relation to the tube, and a valve arm connected"tw'ith the ,valve and mounted for sliding movement on theshaft.

2. The combination, in pneumatic holdmg and. feedlng mechanism fortubes, of a movable feeder for' the tubes, a valve mov- 1 able With the feeder for controlling the means for moving the feederiand means for rocking the shaft.

ing andfeedingmechanism for tubes, of a 1 feed bar, tube: feeding mechanism mounted pneumatic action thereof, a driving shaft mounted in a parallel relation to thetube,

a valve arm connectedwvith the valve and mounted for sliding movement on the shaft,

63. The combination, in pneumatievholdfor sliding inovementonthe said feedbar,

meansfor impartinglongitudinal movements to the bar, and means for varying the amplitude of the said longitudinal movement for: the diiferentaniounts of feed desired.

64. The combination, in pneumatic 1hold-- ing andfeedingmechanismfor tubes, of a ::feed bar mounted for-longitudinal, movement, tube feeding mechanism mounted for i longitudinal movement relative to the :bar, means for moving the bar longitudinally,

and a variableconnection between the said,

hi andits moving means for varying the amplitude of its longitudinal movement. a

65. The combination, in pneumatic holding and feedingmechanism for tubes, of a feed bar, tube :t'eeding mechanism, supported by and mo\"able longitudinally of the bane feed lever, meausfor swinging the lever, and an adjustable connectionbetween the feed love andthe feed bar, to vary theamplitiule of movement of the feed barn:

(iii. The combination, in tube feeding,

mechanism, of a receiver for the tube, a r tube feeder, means for supporting the tube feeder with the latter projecting into 004180 active relation with the receiver, including a supporting headymounted for sliding movement to facilitate the longitudinal withdrawal of the tube feeder from the receiver.

and means for moving the sai'd head to impart the feeding movements of the feeder,

the said head being a mounted fOruSllCling'JUQ nun'ement to enable theltube feeder to be retracted from ithe receiver independently of its feeding means;

69. Thejcombinationf in: tube feeding mechanism, of arecciver for the tube,a1tilbe 195 feeder, a 1 head supporting theqtube: feeder and 1nounted for ilongitudinal movement relativeto the tube, pneumaticbressurc devices carried by thelsaul head,a valve also carried by the saiclhead for controlling i its lpHBllIIIZlll/lC actionauieans for imparting,

longitudinal movement to thefee'derwand its 1 and, and means for operating the valve during the said longitudinal movements, in+ eluding a driving shaft journaled inisub stantiially parallel relationto theitube,land

having a sliding ,drivingconneetion with the The combination, in. tube feeding, mechai'lism, of a receiverfor the tube, a tubei 12C feeder, a head supporting the tube feeder and \lHOUllllLd for longitiulinalmovement relative tothe tube, pneumatic pressurerdevices carried'by the said head, a valve lalso carried by the said'headiforaoontrollingits pneumatic connection, means; {for imparting 1 longitudinal movement tothe fcederand its head, means for ,operatinggthe val v'e during the said longitudinal movements; including a a driving shaft journaled in substantially eluding means for applying exhaustion and 1 tube, a: feeder for another wall of the tube,

parallel relation to the tube, and having a sliding driving connection with the valve, and means for operating the said driving shaft.

71 The combination, in the tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripper for the tube, and means for operating the gripper by applying.exhaustion and super-atmospheric pressure in alternation thereto.

72. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripper provided. with an air duct, and means for alternately exhausting the said duct and applying super-atmospheric pressure thereto.

73. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripper provided with two independent air ducts, and means for exhausting one duct and applying super-atmospheric pressure to the other duct.

74. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripper provided with a plurality of air ducts, and means for exhausting one of said ducts and directing super-atmospheric pressure to another of said ducts. 1

75. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of a pneumatic gripper provided with a plurality of air ducts, means for exhausting one duct and directing super atmospheric pressure to another duct, and means for reversing the said action relative to the two ducts.

76. Means for feeding tubes, including a pneumatic gripper provided with a plurality of air ducts, means for exhausting one of said ducts and directing super-atmospheric pressure to another ofsaid ducts,

and means for reversingthe said action, ap

plying the exhaustion and the super-atmospheric pressure alternately to the two ducts and inalternation with each other.

I 77. Means forfeeding tubes, including a tube receiver and feeder provided with pneumatic holding mechanism for the tube, in-

super-atmospheric pressure alternately to the said holder and feeder. r

7 8. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination a receiver for one wall of the and means for applying exhaustion and super-atmospheric pressure to the respective walls of the tube in alternation witheach other.

7 9. Means for-feeding tubes, including in combination a receiver for one side of the tube wall a feeder forthe other side of the tube wall, and means for applying exhaustion and super-atmospheric pressure in alternation with each other and alternately with respect to the two sides of the wall.

80. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination. a receiver for the exterior wall of the tube, and a feeder for the interior wall of the tube, each provided with a pneu-' matic duct, means for exhausting air through the. duct from the exterior wall of the tube,

while applying super-atmospheric pressureto the inner wall of the tube to hold the tube against the receiver, and means for reversing this action, exhausting the air from the interior of the wall while applying the super-atmospheric pressure to the outer side of the wall tohold the tube'to the feeder.

81. Means for feeding tubes, including in combination a receiver for thexexterior wall ofvthe tube, and a feeder for the interior wall of the tube, each provided with a pneumatic duct, means for exhausting air through the duct from the exterior wall of the tube while applying super-atmospheric pressure to the interior wall of the tube to hold the tube against the receiver, means for reversing this action, exhausting the air from the interior of the wall while applying superatmospheric pressure to the outer side of the wall to hold the tube to the feeder, and

means for advancing the feeder while thesuper-atmospheric pressure to the outer side of the wall to hold the tube to the feeder, means for moving the feeder to advance the tube while the latter is thus held to the feeder, and means for retracting the feeder when the tube is held to the receiver.

83, The combination, in tube feeding means, of a rotary receiver for the exterior of the tube, a rotary plunger for the interior of the tube,pneumat1c pressure producing means including exhausting and air compressing mechanism, air passages communicating from the said pressure producing means tothe tube engaging surfaces of the receiver and the plunger, respectively, and means for controlling the said communication to establish a partial vacuum on one side of the wall of the tube and super-atmospheric pressure on the other side of the wall.

84. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of supporting and feeding devices engaging with the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of the tube, pneumatic pressure producing means including exhaust and air compressing mechanism, and means for establishing exhaust communication with one surface of the tube coincidently with the establishment of pressure communication with the other surface of the tube.

85. The combination, in tube feeding mechanism, of supporting and feeding de vices engagingwith the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of the tube, pneumatic pressure producing means including exhaust and pressure mechanism, and means for es tablishing, exhaust communication alter-p nately with the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, and coincidently with the establishment of pressure on the other surface of the tube.

In, testimony whereof I have signed my 15 name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WM. I-I. HONISS.

WVitnesses JOSEPH MERRITT, CAROLINE M. BREOKLE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0." 

